On Friday, Arbor Hill Elementary School students and staff lined the hall – quietly excited – until the moment beloved principal Rosalind Gaines-Harrell exited her office for what she thought was a “meeting.”
Instead, the district veteran of 33 years was greeted with chants of “Ms. Harrell” and countless hugs, high-fives, handshakes, cards, art and flowers as she made her way through the building she has led since 2007.
The surprise "clap-out" was a bittersweet send-off as Gaines-Harrell moves on to a new position: the district’s first director of recruitment, development and retention.
Gaines-Harrell prioritized academics, equity, leadership and - most importantly - built a community at Arbor Hill Elementary. Her legacy at the school will continue for years to come, just as her unmatched dedication and professionalism will now benefit future district students and staff.
Details on Gaines-Harrell's appointment can be found here.